Dental implants are the highest quality tooth replacement option available in dentistry. It is also one of the most sought after dental treatments. For missing or severely damaged teeth, dental implants provide a functional, natural looking prosthetic.
If you’re considering dental implants and wondering if they would work for you, here’s what makes an ideal candidate.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the bone of your jaw. It is a titanium post that is threaded like a screw to encourage osseointegration, or fusion with the bone tissue. Once it is sufficiently bonded with the bone, it can support a crown to replace a missing tooth. Multiple implants can be placed throughout the jaw to support bridges and dentures. With accurate placement and proper care, dental implant restorations can last a lifetime.
What Makes Someone an Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?
For someone to be eligible for a dental implant, there are some basic requirements:
- Sufficient bone structure in the jaw. The bone of your jaw must be thick enough and strong enough to support a dental implant.
- Good oral health. It is necessary for your gums and other oral tissues to be healthy before a dental implant can be placed.
What Makes Someone Ineligible for Dental Implants?
The following situations can make you ineligible for immediate dental implant placement:
- Bone loss in the jaw. If one or more of your teeth have been missing for many months or years, the support structures for those teeth will most likely have weakened and partially or fully resorbed, meaning dissolved. In this case, you may not have sufficient bone structure to support a traditional dental implant.
- Gum disease. If you have untreated gum disease, it can cause damage to your jaw bone and other support structures needed for dental implants. Gum disease and any related damage must be treated first.
How Can I Become Eligible for Dental Implants?
Just because you are not an ideal candidate for dental implants at the first evaluation, doesn’t mean you can never get them. There are options for those who are not yet ready for traditional dental implants, such as:
- Bone grafting. When the bone in your jaw has weakened, a bone graft procedure can restore it. A bone fragment is placed under the gum tissue on top of the existing bone. It serves to thicken the jaw bone and encourage regeneration of the bone tissue. The process of regeneration takes a few months, but the end result is healthier bone structure that can support one or more dental implants.
- Mini dental implants. When the jaw bone is too thin to support a traditional dental implant, mini dental implants provide an alternative. These smaller implants can be placed with less bone structure available. They also encourage regeneration of the existing bone tissue.
Am I Too Old For Dental Implants?
You can never be too old to improve your dental health. Dental implants are a tooth restoration option for patients of all ages. Whether you need a single dental implant to replace one tooth or a complete replacement of a full arch of teeth, dental implants are a worthwhile solution. Even if you are not ready for dental implants at this time, the necessary treatments can prepare the way for your eventual smile transformation.
Where Can I Get Dental Implants?
If you’re interested in dental implants, Paramount Dental Arts provides a wide range of dental implant restorations. After a brief evaluation, we can determine whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants and what preparations may be necessary. We look forward to providing you with functional, natural looking replacement teeth.
Call 973-777-1772 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.